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A cataract is a clouding of the lens in the eye. As the cataract gets bigger, seeing can be increasingly difficult, especially at night. If you care for someone with cataracts, you may find yourself taking on all of the chores that require good vision, such as driving, organizing household items, and shopping.
Someone whose cataract isn't too large may be able to see reasonably well with the aid of new eyeglasses and brighter lights. Over time, however, these strategies will become increasingly ineffective. The only way to cure a cataract is through surgery to remove the cloudy lens.
Most people have surgery only when their vision loss interferes with their everyday life. Cataract surgery is one of the safest and most effective procedures performed today, and 90% of patients have better vision afterwards. If someone has cataracts in both eyes, surgery is usually done on each eye separately, several weeks apart.
Being Supportive
People respond differently to the realization that they have a serious eye disease—shock, disbelief, depression, and anger are common reactions that can last for days, weeks, months, or even years. It can be very frustrating for caregivers when a visually impaired person has a negative attitude. Remember, however, that a supportive and caring environment is pivotal to successful rehabilitation.
At the same time, try not to be overprotective. Sometimes, caregivers, family, and friends can show their concern and support just by being there. Friendly visits and organized outings can be of great benefit, both for your loved one and for you. Humor is also an effective way to cope with the challenges presented to people who are blind or visually impaired.
Practical Steps
As the cataract develops, many people retain enough vision that they can still perform routine activities, as long as a few practical adjustments are made at home. There are several steps you can take to help your loved one maintain a measure of independence, despite the loss of vision. These include:
- Making sure strategically placed bright lights are available throughout the home.
- Choosing items for the home in strong, contrasting colors that a person with limited vision can distinguish.
- Letting your loved one decide how things should be organized, labeled, or adapted in the home.
- Always putting items back where you found them.
- Anticipating obstacles and removing them before an accident occurs.
After Surgery
For the first few weeks after cataract surgery, your loved one will have to protect the eye carefully. You can help by making sure the patient doesn't leave the eye unprotected, undertake strenuous activity, or bend over to pick up objects from the floor. At the same time, encourage your loved one to resume nonstrenuous everyday activities gradually, to preserve a measure of independence.
Itching, discomfort, and light sensitivity are common after eye surgery. You can help your loved one remain comfortable by talking with the doctor about medications that may soothe the eye. One of these treatments is Voltaren Ophthalmic®, a medicated eye drop that relieves pain, inflammation, and light sensitivity. You may want to talk with the eye surgeon about whether Voltaren Ophthalmic will help your loved one.
Side effects include transient burning and stinging, keratitis (inflammation of the cornea) [which was often noted prior to treatment], increased intraocular pressure after cataract surgery, and lacrimation (excessive secretion of tears).
Voltaren Ophthalmic Full Prescribing Information
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